Press Release - Pittsburgh Marathon - 2/18/16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

        P3R's Kids of STEEL Program Wins Youth Program of the Year
Running USA awarded Kids of STEEL a $10,000 grant during annual conference

PITTSBURGH - P3R's Kids of STEEL program was named 2015 Youth Program of 
the Year during the 2016 Running USA Industry Conference in Los Angeles, 
Feb. 10-12. As part of the award, P3R will receive a $10,000 youth program 
grant.

"The future of our sport comes from youth programs that get younger 
generations moving," said Running USA CEO Rich Harshbarger. "Few programs 
can match the success of bringing kids into running than P3R's Kids of 
STEEL program and we're excited to name them our 2016 Youth Program Award 
recipient."

The Kids of STEEL program is a physical activity and nutrition program 
designed to motivate children to pursue quality nutrition and an active 
lifestyle by incorporating exercise and healthy eating habits into their 
daily routine. The program is offered free of charge to any interested 
classroom, school or youth organization.

As part of the program, children choose one of three training plans 
(Toddler Trot, Kids Marathon or 5K) and complete the appropriate physical 
activity and nutrition goals.  Children are encouraged (though not 
required) to complete the program by running in one of three races during 
the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events. 

"We are honored to be recognized as ‘Youth Program of the Year' by our 
industry peers," said P3R CEO Patrice Matamoros. "Our team is passionate 
about working with the youth in our area, and we are committed to 
instilling a love of running and healthy habits for all generations." 

Since 2011, the program has helped close to 16,000 children achieve their 
healthy lifestyle goals. More than 145 schools and community organizations, 
and 6,000 children are participating in 2016, a program record.

To serve children in neighborhoods without a safe place to play or to buy 
healthy foods, P3R created Project R.U.N. (Reaching Underserved 
Neighborhoods) in 2014. Project R.U.N. offers additional support to 
community-based organizations who want to offer Kids of STEEL by providing 
on-site coaching, food tastings, a new pair of running shoes (if 
requested), free registrations and free transportation to the Toyota 
Pittsburgh Kids Marathon.  

"The number of community organizations requesting to be included in Project 
R.U.N. exceeds the number we can work with in a given program year," 
Matamoros said. "This grant from Running USA will allow us to extend the 
reach of the program and serve more youth in Pittsburgh."

Link to press release:  
http://www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/News-Item-P3Rs-Kids-of-STEEL-Program-W
ins-Youth-Program-of-the-Year

About P3R
Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. (P3R) is a non-profit organization 
which promotes the love of long-distance running and enhances community 
involvement in fitness activities through high quality events open to a 
wide variety of ages and ability levels. Our events will consistently serve 
the needs of our participants and our sponsors; will engage and reward our 
volunteers; will enhance the economic well-being of the Pittsburgh region; 
will partner with public and private entities to create the best possible 
event experience and partner with appropriate charitable organizations to 
give back to the community. See more at: 
www.pittsburghmarathon.com/about-us

FACEBOOK:  P3REvents     TWITTER: @P3REvents     INSTAGRAM: PghMarathon  


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